- Author: Nevermore
- Date: January 11, 2023
- Expansion: WotLK Classic
Equipment will be the main source of your character’s power, contributing the biggest bulk of your stats. It is therefore very important that you choose the correct equipment for each slot — commonly referred to as “best in slot” equipment – in order to maximize your power.
This section of the guide will be divided into two parts: the first part of the section will have a simple BiS list. The second part of the section will have the best items along with all possible alternatives and extended explanations for their use.
Note: stats of the items may change once Phase 2 is released. This list is an educated guess based on the currently available information.
Some of the alternatives and explanations in the list are a work in progress. More details will be provided soon!
Best-in-Slot
Progressive Best-in Slot
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Engineering (440) |
Upon hitting level 80, begin farming Heroic++ dungeons for Emblem of Conquest to purchase Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Headpiece. The tier 4 piece set bonus from tier 8 is your BIS for phase 3 because it’s worth roughly 400 haste.Â
Alternatively and in the interim, you can find your tier 8 helmet, Valorous Worldbreaker Headpiece, by killing bosses in Heroic++. The stats are slightly worse, but it’ll still help you get to that 4 piece set bonus that really boosts your output.
Beside your tier helmet, there’s several other good helmets that you can find along the way to getting a tier piece. From Heroic++ alone, you can encounter several helmets listed above.
If you’d like an easy to acquire helmet once you hit level 80, consider crafting Electroflux Sight Enhancers.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
To prepare for Tier 9 content, your first step is to acquire as much Tier 8/Tier 8.5 as possible. Ensure you obtain your Tier 8.5 helmet, Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Headpiece, by farming Emblem of Conquest.
You can also seek out a Valorous Worldbreaker Headpiece as a drop from both Heroic++ dungeons or off 10 man Mimiron in Ulduar.
Your next best bet is to find the Helm of Veiled Energies from Heroic++ Dungeons. It’s standalone stats are exceptional, but it lacks the explosive power of your Tier 8 4-piece set bonus.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
75 Emblem of Triumph + 1 Trophy of the Crusade |
Your best helmet is and will remain the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Headpiece for the subsequent 4 piece tier 8 set bonus.
If you haven’t yet farmed enough Emblem of Conquest, you should be able to easily acquire your Tier 8.0 helmet, Valorous Worldbreaker Headpiece, from Heroic++ Dungeons.
Supposing you haven’t acquired the tier 8.5 helmet, your next best option in this phase is 
Nobundo’s Helm of Triumph helmet because of the itemization.
A more easily obtainable alternative is the Tier 9 non-heroic helmet. You can obtain this with a Trophy of the Crusade (drops from both 10 and 25 ToC) as well as 75 Emblem of Triumph.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight (Heroic) | |
Heroic+ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Jewelcrafting – BoE |
Upon hitting level 80 you’ll want to seek out the Pendant of the Shallow Grave. To acquire it, you’ll need to farm 15 Heroic++ dungeons for 15 Sidereal Essences to obtain it. This can be time consuming, so consider picking up another item on the list while you farm.
Pendant of Endless Despair or Symbol of Redemption is less desirable than Pendant of Endless Despair, but if you happen to pick it up then spend your Sidereal Essences somewhere else.
There are several other options that drop from Heroic+ dungeons if you’re unwilling to farm the items listed above.
For an immediate upgrade upon hitting level 80, you can purchase the Titanium Spellshock Necklace off the auction house. It’s two phases old at this point, so the cost should be relatively low.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) (HM) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Naxxramas – Multiple Bosses |
Outside of Toc, the Charm of Meticulous Timing is the best necklace. It drops off of Hardmode 25 man XT-002 Deconstructor in Ulduar. This can be a difficult encounter, so consider a necklace lower on the list if this isn’t practical to obtain.
An easily acquirable necklace option is the Frozen Tear of Elune. For 19 Emblem of Conquest, you can grab this necklace.
Before stepping foot into ToC, you can also obtain the Chains of Adoration which can drop from many bosses in Naxxramas.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Twin Valkyrs (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) (HM) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Twin Valkyrs (25) | |
The best necklace in the game for Resto Shamans is the Wail of the Val’kyr. This one is highly contested by almost every caster. Thankfully, we have a close alternative from Ulduar, the Charm of Meticulous Timing.
Another powerful necklace option is the Pendant of the Shallow Grave which drops from both Thorim Hardmode in 10 man, and is obtainable with Sidereal Essences via Heroic++ dungeons.
Freya’s Choker of Warding is a well itemized alternative that drops off of the 25 man version of Freya.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Animated Constellation – 24 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Naxxramas – BoE | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight (Heroic) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic+ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Halls of Stone – BoE |
Upon hitting level 80, your best option before stepping foot into a raid is to go for the tier 8 shoulders and farm Heroic++ dungeons for Valorous Worldbreaker Spaulders. Obtaining your 4 piece tier 8 set bonus as quickly as possible is very important.
Meanwhile, you’ll be farming H++ dungeons and collecting Sidereal Essences. They should practically be spent elsewhere, but if you’re going all out and haven’t yet come across a tier 8 protector token, you can acquire 24 Sidereal Essences and an Observer’s Mantle.
The Retcher’s Shoulderpads are also a viable option from dungeons.
If you’re seeking an immediate and easily obtainable upgrade, you can purchase the Mantle of the Extensive Mind off your server’s auction house. They are two phases old at this point, so they should be affordable.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Yogg Saron (25) (HM) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Animated Constellation – 24 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Spaulders, which are your tier 8.5 shoulders are your bis even after entering ToC. You can obtain these by killing Yogg Saron in 25 man Ulduar.
Alternatively, you can acquire your tier 8 shoulders, Valorous Worldbreaker Spaulders, by obtaining a tier token through H++ dungeons or 10 man Ulduar.
Pauldrons of the Combatant are great for sustain and an off-piece slot before entering ToC.
They should practically be spent elsewhere, but if you’re going all out and haven’t yet come across a tier 8 protector token, you can acquire 24 Sidereal Essences and an Observer’s Mantle.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Yogg Saron (25) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Animated Constellation – 24 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
Your BIS shoulders are your tier 8.5 shoulders, Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Spaulders, because you want that 4 piece set bonus. Outside of that, your next best items are consecutively your item level 258 and 245 Tier 9 shoulders.
A close alternative and good off-piece if you’re running 4 piece tier 8 in your other slots is Pauldrons of the Combatant. Ignoring tier set bonuses, these shoulders are nearly the best shoulders in the game.
Observer’s Mantle are also an excellent off piece, and can be acquired without even stepping into a raid via Sidereal Essences.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
25x Emblem of Valor | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Naxxramas – BoE | |
Tailoring – BoE |
Without a doubt the best option before entering a raid is the Shawl of the Caretaker followed closely by Drape of the Spellweaver.
If you find yourself with excess badges, Cloak of Kea Feathers is itemized perfectly and will get you a lot of mileage despite its low item level.
There is a plurality of other options available in dungeons as well, such as the Cloak of the Dying & Shroud of the Citadel
If you are looking for an immediate and easily acquirable upgrade, you can purchase a Wispcloak on the auction house. It is two phases old at this point, so it should be affordable.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Trash | |
25x Emblem of Valor |
Before entering ToC, the Drape of the Sullen Goddess is the best cloak in the game. It does not have haste which is our commonly sought after itemization, but its high intellect value and gem socket makes it a very powerful option.
The Sunglimmer Cloak is also a powerful choice. However, knowing that you can only do the Heroic: All Is Well That Ends Well quest once, it’s highly advised you instead select the Starshine Circle when doing this.
Alternatively, you can seek out the Shroud of Alteration whilst doing trash in the 25 man version of Ulduar.
The Pennant Cloak from The Obsidian Sanctum still is good even in ToGC.Â
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (10) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) | |
The Obsidian Sanctum – Sartharion (25) |
The best cloak in the game for Resto Shaman is Jaina’s Radiance. This is very contested and difficult to obtain, as it requires your group to clear ToGC Heroic without a single wipe.
Alternatively, the 10 man version Drape of Bitter Incantation is still contested but more obtainable because the difficulty in 10 man ToGC is significantly easier than 25 man.Â
Maiden’s Favor are better than anything in Ulduar and drop from the 25 man version of Anub’arak Heroic.
Drape of the Sullen Goddess is still quite powerful, even compared to the capes that drop in ToGC. It does not have haste which is our commonly sought after itemization, but its high intellect value and gem socket makes it a very solid option.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Leatherworking – BoE | |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Kirin Tor – Exalted | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Leatherworking – BoE |
Upon hitting level 80, you should be seeking out the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Tunic for 58 Emblem of Conquest. This is your tier 8.5 chest piece and is your BIS, even in ToGC. In the interim, you can pick up a Valorous Worldbreaker Tunic by doing Heroic++ dungeons.
While doing Heroic++ dungeons, keep an eye out for the Firestrider Chestguard. Another option is the Breastplate of the Stoneshaper which costs 25 Sidereal Essences, again something you can acquire while farming Heroic++ dungeons. It’s highly recommended you save your essences for another purchase and get your tier 8.5 chest piece instead.
You can purchase an Ensorcelled Nerubian Breastplate if you’re seeking high item level gear immediately when reaching level 80. If that is too costly, consider the Revenant’s Breastplate.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Leatherworking – BoE | |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
Your best chest option is going to remain the tier 8.5 chest piece, Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Tunic, for your goal of hitting that 4 piece tier 8 set bonus.
Valorous Worldbreaker Tunic is a great piece in the interim, and should be easily acquirable in any Heroic++ Dungeon.
If you’re looking for a chest off-piece when you’re wearing your 4 piece tier 8 in other slots, then go for Breastplate of the Stoneshaper or the Ensorcelled Nerubian Breastplate.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Yogg Saron (25) (HM) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Leatherworking – BoE | |
Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (10) (HM) | |
Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) |
Your best chest option in the game will remain Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Tunic or Valorous Worldbreaker Tunic in order to obtain your very powerful 4-piece set bonus, however your next best choices are now much better.
Your 258 item level Tier 9 chest piece, Nobundo’s Tunic of Triumph is high in well itemized stats and so is the 245 version.
Until then, you can farm Ulduar for a Quartz-studded Harness or Breastplate of the Stoneshaper.
Alternatively you can purchase an Ensorcelled Nerubian Breastplate off the auction house.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Tailoring – BoE | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
60x Emblem of Valor BoE | |
60x Emblem of Valor BoE | |
Drak’Tharon Keep – Heroic | |
Heroic+ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) | |
The Nexus – Heroic |
The best bracer option when you hit level 80 is going to be picking up a pair of Bejeweled Wizard’s Bracers from the auction house.
Even cheaper, but still effective for a BoE would be the Cuffs of the Shadow Ascendant or Pigmented Clan Bindings. These are effectively equal, so buy whichever is cheapest.
There are also several bracer options from a multitude of Heroic+ and Heroic++ Dungeons if you do not have the gold to purchase either BoE.
Keep an eye out for Wristguards of the Firetender, Limb Regeneration Bracers or Iron Rings of Endurance while farming dungeons.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Tailoring – BoE | |
Ulduar – Ignis The Furnace Master (25) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
By far and away, the Bindings of Winter Gale come from Hodir Hardmode in Ulduar 25 are the best bracers even in ToGC.Â
The closest alternative is again the Bejeweled Wizard’s Bracers, a crafted BoE that you can purchase on the auction house.Â
If you’re looking for a more easily acquirable bracer, seek out the Wristguards of the Firetender from Ignis the Furnace Master.
Keep an eye out for the Armbraces of the Vibrant Flame while farming Heroic++ Dungeons.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Tailoring – BoE | |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Ignis The Furnace Master (25) |
The Bindings of Winter Gale are your BIS even in ToGC. They are perfectly itemized and drop off of the relatively easy boss, Hodir 25 man Hardmode in Ulduar.
The 258 item level Bracers of Cloudy Omen from ToGC are a quite close alternative if you’re seeking more mana regeneration. The downside is it really lacks the haste we’re looking for.
If you still are in need of a decent pair of bracers, then definitely purchase the Bejeweled Wizard’s Bracers. They may be quite pricey, but bracers this powerful are well worth it.
The most easily accessible item that still hold their weight against Tier 9 content are the Wristguards of the Firetender. They drop off of one of the easiest encounters in Ulduar, Ignis The Furnace Master.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight (Heroic) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
The Wyrmrest Accord – Exalted | |
Tailoring – BoE |
For a fresh level 80, your goal is to get to the 4 piece tier 8 set bonus as quickly as possible. With that in mind, your best bet is to seek the tier 8 gloves, Valorous Worldbreaker Handguards. They can be obtained by farming Heroic++ dungeons.
Gloves of Dismal Fortune from Trial of the Champion (Heroic) is also great option. While farming dungeons, watch out for Handgrips of Turmoil and Handgrips of the Foredoomed. You can also purchase Gloves of Augury for 28 Emblem of Conquest.
If you’re exalted with The Wyrmrest Accord, you can pick up the Grips of Fierce Pronouncements.
If you are looking for an immediate option upon hitting level 80, you can purchase the Spellweave Gloves off the auction house. They are two phases old at this point, so they should be quite affordable.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Ulduar – Algalon The Observer (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
The best gloves in the game for you are going to be the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Handguards, even in ToGC due to the 4 piece set bonus. You’ll be able to get access to these by killing Mimiron in Ulduar on 25 man for the tier token.
The Pharos Gloves are very powerful, but as an alternative you can also pick up Gloves of Whispering Winds for 19 Sidereal Essences. It’s recommended that you spend these elsewhere, because you want this slot to be tier tier 8 or tier 8.5 gloves eventually.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Ulduar – Algalon The Observer (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
Again, The best gloves in the game for you are going to be the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Handguards, even in ToGC. Kill Mimiron in Ulduar on 25 man for the tier token and pick these up.
Both your 258 and 245 Item level Tier 9 gloves are very well itemized, but ideally your gloves aren’t your off-piece slot and you use your tier 8.5 gloves instead. Nobundo’s Handguards of Triumph have excellent stats, but pale in comparison to the power of your Tier 8 4 piece bonus.
The 258 version of Gloves of the Lifeless Touch are a close alternative to Pharos Gloves.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Leatherworking – BoE | |
Ebon Blade – Exalted | |
Kirin Tor – Exalted | |
Heroic+ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas10 Drop) |
Upon hitting level 80, you want to farm some dungeons in order to purchase a Windchill Binding.
Belt of the Crystal Tree is also powerful, but it is not recommended that you spend your Sidereal Essences on this.
If you are looking for a belt to immediately equip, then craft or visit the auction house and pick up the Blue Belt of Chaos.
While farming dungeons watch out for Belt of the Iron Servant and Necrogenic Belt.
Belt of Dark Mending is a great alternative if you’re exalted with the Ebon Blade, as well as Ghostflicker Waistband if you’re exalted with the Kirin Tor.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Algalon The Observer (25) | |
Ulduar – Razorscale (25) | |
Leatherworking – BoE | |
Naxxramas – Multiple Bosses | |
Naxxramas – Multiple Bosses | |
Naxxramas – Multiple Bosses | |
Naxxramas – Multiple Bosses |
Outside of ToC, your best belt is the Star-beaded Clutch from Algalon The Observer in Ulduar 25. Algalon The Observer is an extremely difficult fight even compared to Tier 9 content, so if this is unobtainable for you, continue reading.
The Belt of the Fallen Wyrm is also very good, and very easy to obtain. It drops off of Razorscale, one of the easiest bosses in Ulduar 25. It is only contested by Holy Paladins, so if it drops, hopefully you’ll win it.
The crafted BoE Blue Belt of Chaos still holds good weight even in ToGC. If you’re unable to get the belts above, then definitely purchase the Windchill Binding for 28 Emblem of Conquest.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Beasts of Northrend (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Twin Valkyrs (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Algalon The Observer (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Razorscale (25) |
The absolute best belt in the game for Resto Shamans is the Belt of the Ice Burrower which drops off 25 man ToC Heroic Beasts of Northrend. It is lacking haste which is typically what we seek out in gear, but the high base stats and two gem sockets more than make up for it.
Cord of Pale Thorns is another surreptitiously powerful option. It may have spirit on it, which is a dead stat for us, but its high haste gives this belt the highest output potential in the game.
Until then, keep trying to acquire Belt of the Fallen Wyrm or Star-beaded Clutch. Both excellent options, choose the Belt of the Fallen Wyrm as a mana sustain option, and the Star-beaded Clutch for nearly unparalleled output potential.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight (Heroic) | |
Animated Constellation – 32 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
After hitting level 80, you can begin farming Heroic++ dungeons for a chance to get a hold of your tier 8 legs which are Valorous Worldbreaker Legguards. Ideally, you’re shooting for your 4 piece tier 8 set bonus as soon as possible. Your leg slot should be your off-piece slot in which your 4 piece tier 8 is built around, but just pick up the best pieces you can meanwhile.
Other than that, you can pick up Leggings of the Weary Mystic for 39 Emblem of Conquest.
Ironscale Leggings which drop from Heroic++ Dungeons are also great.
Leggings of the Snowy Bramble from the Trial of the Champion are also a great option to use in the interim while you farm your Tier 8 legs.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Before entering ToC, you’ll want to pick up Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Legguards which are your tier 8.5 legs and acquirable by killing Freya in 25 man Ulduar.
Your next best alternative is the Valorous Worldbreaker Legguards which are your tier 8 legs and they can be acquired by doing 10 man Ulduar or doing Heroic++ dungeons.
If you are in need of legs and do not yet have tier, running an Ulduar 25 is your best bet. There are three viable leg options that drop from Ulduar, and all are very viable.
Other than that, you can pick up Leggings of the Weary Mystic for 39 Emblem of Conquest.
As a side note, you want to use Pauldrons of the Combatant or Pharos Gloves as off-pieces to your 4 piece tier 8 if you haven’t yet entered ToGC.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) Heroic |
The absolute best legs for Resto Shamans are Legwraps of the Awakening. You’ll want to use these alongside your 4 piece tier 8 setup.Â
Closely behind are the Legguards of Concealed Hatred.
Your 258 and 245 item level Tier 9 legs are also decent pieces if you do not yet have any of the above items. Leggings of the Soothing Touch have the best mana sustain in the game, so be sure to pick these up regardless of your current leg situation.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Leatherworking – BoE | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Animated Constellation – 24 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic+ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic+ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) | |
Emblem of Valor x40 – BoE | |
Emblem of Valor x40 – BoE |
The best boots for a fresh level 80 Resto Shaman are the BoE boots known as Lightning Grounded Boots. You can find these on your servers auction house, and since they are a phase old at this point, they should be affordable.
If you don’t have the gold to purchase these, then you can farm Heroic++ dungeons for Starlight Treads which cost 24 Sidereal Essences. Despite the item having spirit, they’re still a relatively high value pair of boots.Â
Alternatively, you can seek out the Footsteps of Malygos or Sabatons of Firmament which can both be found in Heroic++ dungeons.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Yogg Saron (25) (HM) | |
Ulduar – Algalon The Observer (25) | |
Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) (HM) | |
Leatherworking – BoE | |
Leatherworking – BoE | |
Tailoring – BoE | |
Tailoring – BoE | |
Animated Constellation – 24 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
The best boots before ToC are different depending on your current setup. If you need sustain, then Planewalker Treads. If you desire more output, then opt for the Treads of the False Oracle
Boots of Fiery Resolution are easier to grab because they drop off Flame Leviathan which is the first boss in Ulduar. It requires 25 man and Hardmode, despite the presence of spirit on the item the high item level makes the itemization still quite good.
If anything, the Lightning Grounded Boots still hold up relatively well at this point also. They are a crafted BoE that should be purchasable on your servers auction house. They are a phase old at this point, so they should be affordable.
Starlight Treads are purchasable without gold, and without having to step foot into a raid. Simply farm Heroic++ Dungeons for Sidereal Essences to buy this piece.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Yogg Saron (25) (HM) | |
Ulduar – Algalon The Observer (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) (HM) |
The best boots in the game for Resto Shaman are the Boots of Tremoring Earth. These are the 258 item level boots from the ToGC Heroic 25 man Faction Champions encounter.
Boots of the Mourning Widow are also a very powerful output option, but are heavily contested by most caster DPS. They may have spirit on them which is a dead stat for us, but their abundance of haste still makes them a powerful piece for us.
Your next best bet after these are again the Planewalker Treads for sustain or the Treads of the False Oracle for haste.
Boots of Fiery Resolution from Ulduar still hold up as well. They have spirit on them, which is a dead stat for us, but they have lots of output potential.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Dalaran – Harold Winston | |
Emblem of Valor x25 – BoE | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
Once you hit level 80, you have a lot of great ring options. The best one you want to grab right away is the Fire Orchid Signet and/or the Nebula Band. The Fire Orchid Signet is more sustain oriented and the Nebula Band is more haste. You can acquire these by grinding Heroic++ dungeons for Sidereal Essences.
Lady Maye’s Sapphire Ring is a great ring, despite the spirit. Keep an eye out for this while you’re farming Heroic++ Dungeons.
It is a lot of gold, but Etched Signet of the Kirin Tor from Harold Winston in Dalaran is a powerful option as well. It comes with the added benefit of giving you a second hearthstone, as well!
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Ulduar – Ignis The Furnace Master (10) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) |
Before entering ToC, try and pick up a Starshine Circle from Algalon The Observer 25. It is the second best ring in the game for Restoration Shamans, so it will last you well into ICC.
Your next best choices are Fire Orchid Signet or Nebula Band, again depending on your goal of sustain or haste.
Pyrelight Circle is also an okay pickup which can be found off of Ignis The Furnace Master, one of the easiest bosses in Ulduar.
Signet of Soft Lament is also a close runner up, but lacks output potential with its lack of haste.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
As previously mentioned, Starshine Circle is one of your BIS ring slots, even a tier later. It drops off of Algalon The Observer, which remains a very challenging encounter.
Your other best ring is the Ring of the Darkmender from Lord Jaraxxus in ToGC 25 Heroic. It is the best ring in the game for every healer and is heavily saught after for its mana sustain potential.
Outside those two rings, once again Fire Orchid Signet and Nebula Band are really your only solid options.
Conductive Seal may be a good choice for you if nobody is contesting it and you still don’t have either of those two previously mentioned rings. Note that it is the best ring in the game for many casters, so they may fight you tooth and nail for it.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 24 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight (Heroic) | |
Jewelcrafting (400) |
Soul Preserver has a chance to proc off each separate hit achieved by your Chain heal. When healing multiple targets, this trinket has the potential to return a large amount of mana. This is not only one of the best trinkets for a fresh level 80, but one of the best trinkets in the game. You can acquire it by doing The Culling of Stratholme normal mode.
Aside from Soul Preserver, the next trinket you’ll want to shoot for that is both easy to acquire and relatively high value is the Eye of the Broodmother. It can be found in Heroic++ Dungeons, so keep an eye out for it while you’re farming.
Figurine – Sapphire Owl and Darkmoon Card: Greatness (the intellect version) are both great trinkets for how easy they are to acquire as a fresh level 80. Note that Figurine – Sapphire Owl requires you to be a Jewelcrafter.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Yogg Saron (25) (HM) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Stepping foot into raids before ToC, you have some excellent trinket options to choose from.
Your best mana option is going to remain Soul Preserver, while your highest spell power option is going to now be Illustration of the Dragon Soul.
Some fights you may need to double down on sustain or branch out into a more haste oriented build. In the case of needing to double down on sustain, you’ll want to use Show of Faith. In the case of more haste, you’ll want to use Scale of Fates.
Also in the case you ever get assigned to single-target healing, you’ll most certainly want to drop Soul Preserver for another trinket. If you do not expect to be bouncing Chain heal consistently, Soul Preserver loses most of its value.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Yogg Saron (25) (HM) | |
Your best trinket is going to be Solace of the Defeated. For most of ToGC and ICC Progression, you’ll be spamming Chain heal, which makes Soul Preserver a powerful mana option. Soul Preserver in tandem with Solace of the Defeated is an extremely good combination for near infinite sustainability.
In the case you’re assigned to single-target healing, you’ll again want to use Scale of Fates and drop Soul Preserver.
For short fights when mana sustain is not an option, consider using Illustration of the Dragon Soul. It gives more spellpower than any other trinket, and is particularly powerful if you stack it before the fight even begins.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 38 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic+ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight (Heroic) | |
Heroic+ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) | |
Blacksmithing (440) – BoE | |
The Nexus – Heroic |
When you hit level 80 as a Resto Shaman you have a lot of great options for a weapon.
Your best weapon before stepping foot into raids will beAesuga, Hand of the Ardent Champion. The cost is a large amount of Sidereal Essences however.
With that said, Pulse Baton and Stormtip are your next best bet, which both can be found in Heroic++ dungeons.
You can also pick up a Hammer of the Astral Plane from Heroic+ dungeons.
If you want to purchase something immediately, grab a Titansteel Guardian from the auction house.
On the topic of 2h staves, don’t actively pursue them. More often than not, they have spirit on them and they’re frequently contested by other party or raid members. If they drop and are an upgrade then there’s no harm in using them, but with so many readily available 1-handed options, don’t go out of your way.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar (25) – Fragment of Val’anyr x30 | |
Ulduar – Algalon The Observer (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 38 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Ulduar – Yogg Saron (25) | |
Naxxramas – Kel’Thuzad (25) | |
Naxxramas – Kel’Thuzad (25) | |
Naxxramas – Kel’Thuzad (10) | |
Naxxramas – Gothik the Harvester (25) | |
The Eye of Eternity – Malygos (10) | |
The best weapon in the game can be obtained in Ulduar. The item is Val’anyr, Hammer of Ancient Kings. This may take a few clears to obtain, but is far and away worth it for a Resto Shaman.
Other than the legendary mace, you’ll want to pick up a Constellus from Algalon The Observer. It lacks the haste that we normally look for in an item, but has a ton of Spellpower and mana sustain potential.
If you haven’t got that or an Aesuga, Hand of the Ardent Champion – then head on Yogg Saron 25 to get a Soulscribe.
If none of the above work out, you can also go to Naxxramas 25 to defeat Kel’Thuzad for a Torch of Holy Fire.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Algalon The Observer (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 38 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) |
Val’anyr, Hammer of Ancient Kings remains your BIS in ToGC. The stats from other weapons may look comparable, but the bubble effect on Val’anyr is incredibly powerful and outweighs all else.
The next best weapon is Misery’s End which is the 258 item level mace from Anub’arak in ToGC 25 Heroic. Even the normal versions of these are quite good. If you haven’t picked up this item yet, you’ll really want to get a Constellus or Aesuga, Hand of the Ardent Champion from Ulduar.
Another weapon you can pick up if you’re luck isn’t so hot is from Onyxia 25 called the Honed Fang of the Mystics.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic+ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) | |
World Drop – BoE |
Your best shield after hitting level 80 will be the Ice Layered Barrier which costs 25 Sidereal Essences.Â
If you don’t want to grind this one out, you can also get a Pulsing Spellshield from the Infinite Corruptor boss, which is just before the last boss in The Culling of Stratholme H++ version if you make the time limit.
You can also pick up a Aegis of Damnation from Heroic+ dungeons or a Protective Barricade of the Light for 35 Emblem of Heroism.
If you want to purchase something immediately, grab a Zom’s Crackling Bulwark from the auction house. It is two phases old at this point, so it should be affordable.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence (Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic+ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
By far and away the best shield choice outside ToGC is Wisdom’s Hold. It drops off of Hardmode 25 man Thorim, which is commonly considered to be the easiest Hardmode in Ulduar.
The Ice Layered Barrier is your next best option before ToGC, which again can be farmed by doing Heroic++ dungeons for 25 Sidereal Essences.
Another great option is Voice of Reason from Kel’Thuzad in Naxxramas 25. Shield of Assimilation isn’t bad too if you’re looking for more sustain and an easy pickup piece from Naxxramas.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (10) |
Bastion of Purity is your BIS shield in ToGC. It is flawlessly itemized and drops off of the 3rd encounter in ToGC, Faction Champions.
Other than Bastion of Purity, Wisdom’s Hold is better than anything that drops in ToGC.
Other than that, the only alternative shields are Ice Layered Barrier and Pulsing Spellshield. The Ice Layered Barrier can be purchased via Sidereal Essences, and the Pulsing Spellshield drops from Heroic++ Dungeons.
About the Author
P3 Bis – im wondering why you’re posting t9 set over t8?
the -0.2 sec cast time on chain heal, is just straight up higher stats than t9.
perhaps describe that, the nobundo’s is for straight up tank healing on anub in TOGC; if you dont have any other healer class present.
/RaidhealingRsham